This full time post is available from 1st January 2018 on a 3 year fixed term basis.

The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university that combines world-class research with very high levels of student satisfaction. Exeter has over 21,000 students from more than 130 different countries and is in the top 1% of universities in the world with 98% of its research rated as being of international quality. Our research focuses on some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.

The College wishes to recruit an Associate Research Fellow or Research Fellow to support the work of Professor Jeremy Field. This ERC-funded post is based in the Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus. The successful applicant will work on a project investigating the evolution of queen-worker caste differences and social behaviour in sweat bees (Halictidae: Lasioglossum, Halictus). A 4th year of funding may be available, depending on the needs of the project.

The post will include work carrying out field transplants, behavioural observations and experiments, together with transcriptomic work relating behaviour to gene expression (see Field et al. 2010 Current Biology 20:2028-31 for an example of our behavioural work). The successful applicant will have relevant experience in evolutionary or behavioural ecology and/or transcriptomics with non-model organisms. They will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies. They will also require excellent data analysis skills; the ability to spend significant periods away from home conducting fieldwork; a full driving licence. The successful applicant must also be able to work independently or collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

For appointment at Associate Research Fellow level, the starting salary will be from GBP 28,936 up to GBP 33,518 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience. For appointment at Research Fellow level, the salary will be from GBP 34,520 up to GBP 38,833 on Grade F. Appointment at Grade F will be subject to additional criteria and role responsibilities as defined in the job description.

The University offers some fantastic benefits including 41 days leave per year, options for flexible working, numerous discounts at leading retailers, an onsite gym, yoga and pilates, a cycle to work scheme and a stunning campus environment.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The College is working towards department Silver Athena SWAN awards as a commitment to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.